(London: E. Grant Richards, 1906-1911).

FIRST EDITION AND AN IMPORTANT WORK. A SCARCE COMPLETE SET, INCLUDING THE SUBSCRIBER S LIST AT THE END OF VOLUME V. The work was originally published in 20 monthly parts, this set must have been bound by Bumpus almost immediately after the publication of the final part.
Lillian M. Medland was a leading British Ornithological artist and, although also being well know for her extensive work on Australian Birds, BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS is her masterpiece. She was married to distinguished ornithologist Tom Iredale and also worked with G.M. Mathews.
Though best known for Ms. Meldland s plates, the book is also well organized, authoritative and full of useful information. Item #23674

5 volumes. First editions. With 318 superb engraved plates by Lilian M. Medland with captioned tissue-guards, 2 full-page anatomical woodcuts printed in red and black, and 2 coloured folding engraved maps. Large 4to, bound by Bumpus in contemporary three-quarter green morocco over green cloth covered boards, the spines pleasantly toned to honey-brown, spines with tall raised bands ruled in bind, lettered in gilt in two compartments, t.e.g. A handsome set, there is some extremely minor toning or spotting almost entirely confined to the prelims and occasionally on the very outer edges of the margins but otherwise the books are internally fresh and clean, the fine Bumpus bindings with some general age rubbing mainly to the corner-pieces, the books are solid and firm and still very attractive.